Pune is where you can find many of the most stunning forms of land, flora, and fauna, and it boasts an impressive history. Pune has been the home of many of the most royal and great dynasties, which left behind many historic Places in Pune. There are a lot of historical Places in Pune which are still full of the legends and stories of the royals and remain fragrant from the impressions they left in every corner of Pune. Here’s a list of the most loved and must-see top Historical Places in Pune:
- Shaniwar Wada
- Lal Mahal
- Shinde Chhatri
- Vishrambagh Wada
Shaniwar Wada
A massive fortress in the heart of a busy city reminds us of a glorious past. A story, an old-fashioned romance that has made the fort’s climate red with blood.” Shaniwar Wada, like the rest of the heritage, contains many unheard stories stored in history books.
Shaniwar Wada itself holds many unheard secrets. This massive fort was built in 1746 by Bajirao, who took the Maratha Empire to new heights.
Shaniwar Wada Fort was a major center of Indian politics during the rise of Maratha Peshwas in the 17th century. But unfortunately, it was mysteriously destroyed in the grip of fire. Today it remains a relic.
Construction of Shaniwar Wada
The foundation of Shaniwar wada was laid on January 10 1730. At the same time, due to the foundation of this massive fort on Saturday (Saturday means Shaniwar in Marathi), the name of this fort became “Shaniwar Wada.”
The responsibility of constructing this magnificent fort was to Rajasthan’s contractors (Kumawat Kshatriya).
This fort was built in 1732. On January 22, 1732, the fort was inaugurated on Saturday.
The architecture of Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada Fort is known for its artistry, creativity, and historical significance. There are five doors for entering this vast fort. Of which the Delhi Darwaja, Mastani Darwaza, Khidaki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Jambhool Darwaja, or Narayana Darwaja are the main ones.
Delhi Darwaza
Delhi Darwaza is the main gate of the fort. It opens in the north direction towards Delhi. For this reason, it’s ‘Delhi Darwaza.’
This Door is quite high and wide. So much so that the elephant can enter from here. There are 42 pointed nails on both doors, whose length is 12 inches. These Nails are installed at the entrance to protect them from elephant attacks. On the right side of the Door, there is a small gate. This Door is too short so that no one can enter it easily and quickly.
Mastani Darwaza
This Door opens in the north direction. Peshwa Bajirao’s second wife, Mastani, used to use this Door while going out. Hence the name ‘Mastani Darwaza.’ was given to this gate.
Khidaki Darwaza
This Door opens in the east direction. Due to the window being formed, it was named ‘Khidki Darwaza.'(Khidaki is the Marathi word for window).
Ganesh Darwaza
This Door opens in the southeast direction. This Door was used by women while visiting ‘Kasba Ganpati Temple.’
Jambhool Darwaja / Narayana Darwaja
Jambhool Darwaza opens in the south direction. The maids used it to come and go in the fort. This Door was given another name, ‘Narayanrao Darwaza’ after the death of Narayan Rao. His body was taken outside the fort by this Door.
After the construction of the main building of Shaniwar Wada, many other buildings, a reservoir, and Lotus Fountain were built from time to time in the fort.
How To Reach Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is located in the heart of the city. You can reach by any local transport like bus, auto or taxi. Pune Municipal Corporation runs Pune Darshan Bus and covers Shaniwar Wada and other destinations.
Shaniwar Wada -Timing and Entry Fees
Shaniwar Wada is open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The entry fee is Rs 5 per person for Indians and Rs 125 per person for foreigners.
The light and sound show at Shaniwar Wada Fort is quite famous. The show is the center of the main attraction here, which tourists from far and wide visit. The show is held every evening in Marathi and English languages.
The show is held every evening in Marathi from 7:15 to 8:10 am and in the English language from 7:15 to 9:10. The price of this ticket is 25 / – per person, which can be purchased from 7:30 pm to 7:30 pm. These can be purchased on the spot.
Lal Mahal
This historical monument was built in Pune by Shahajiraje Bhosle, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Lal Mahal has historical significance in the history of Maharashtra and the Maratha Empire.
History of Lal Mahal
Lal Mahal (Red Palace) is one of the most famous monuments in Pune (India). Shahajiraje Bhosle built this beautiful palace in 1630 for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji Maharaj. After leaving his birthplace Shivneri, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent most of his childhood in this palace.
Shivaji Maharaj used to stay in Lal Mahal till he took the fort of the Mughal Empire in 1646. Shivaji Maharaj married Saibai in this palace.
Rani Jijabai and Shivaji Maharaj came to Pune with their mentor Dadoji Konddev. The original Lal Mahal was built to revive the city of Pune.
By the end of the Satravi century, the Lal Mahal had become ruins because of many attacks on Pune. It is said that, at the time of the construction of Shaniwarwada, some clay and stones of the Lal Mahal were used.
Historically, the Lal Mahal is famous for the battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Shahiste Khan. While Shiviste Khan was trying to save her life by running through the window of Lal Mahal, Shivaji Maharaj cut his fingers.
The present Lal Mahal is built on only a part of the place where the original Lal Mahal was. The new Lal Mahal was not built the way the old Lal Mahal was built, and no one knows much about the area and composition of the old Lal Mahal. PMC builds the present Lal Mahal. Its construction began around 1984 and was completed in 1988
How to Reach Lal Mahal
By Road: You can reach Lal Mahal from any local vehicle in the city. You can also reach the palace by bus or rickshaw facility.
By Rail: Pune railway station is about 5 km from Lal Mahal.
By Air: Lohegaon Air Force Base Airport of Pune is about 11 km from Lal Mahal.
Shinde Chhatri
Shinde Chhatri is a monument on the banks of the Bahiroba Nala at Wanwadi, near Pune, Maharashtra. The memorial is built in memory of Mahadji Shinde, a fighter of the Maratha Empire of the 8th century.
Construction of Shinde Chhatri
Mahadji Shinde died at age 67 on February 1, 1979, at Wanwadi, near Pune. A Mahadaji Shinde Chhatri was Built near Wanwadi in Pune in honor of his memory. Shinde Chhatri is About thirteen thousand square meters. A total of four hundred square meters of construction for tombs, Chhatri, and temples can be seen in the area. A protective stone wall fifteen feet high has been built inside the tomb.
As we approach this tomb, the first sight we see is the small Maruti temple in front of the temple. The entrance to the temple is to the east. The monument is built on a massive stone structure. The yard is a domed mausoleum. It is a separate small square building, and it is always closed. We can see the inner tomb through the Door. There is a mask of Maharaji Shinde and a horse statue.
The temple of Shankara builds in the middle area of Shinde Chhatri. This beautiful architecture is decorated with carved curves on all sides. The main temple was built in 1715—this construction was built in Rajasthani style. The balcony is built on all three sides. There is an iron Ladder on the outside to go on this balcony. Currently, they are not allowed to go here. The temple hall is spacious, and the paintings of the men belonging to the Mahadji Shinde family are installed. The Sindia family of Gwalior maintains this place through trust.
Entry Fee for Indians-Rs.5
for Foreigners -Rs.25
Vishrambaug Wada
Vishrambagh Wada was an old residence of Bajirao II of Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. Currently, the journey from ‘Punwadi to Punyagnari’ (Journey of Old Pune to Modern Pune) is seen through various pictures. This exhibition presents the history of Pune.
The old map of Shaniwar Wada, Peth (Marketplaces) set up by Nanasaheb Peshwa, information about the water supply from Katraj Lake. Various places of worship in Pune, ghats, their geographical location, and the creative process are also provided. In the British period, it is reported that they sold the Vishrambug Wada for one lakh rupees to the municipality of Pune. Before the present building of Pune Municipal Corporation was constructed, the Municipal Corporation’s head office was in Vishrambug Wada.
Construction of Vishrambug Wada
In 1807, The second Bajirao built this palace for Rs. 2 lakhs. And took six years to build the palace. On March 26, 1803, the construction of the palace began. This is a 19,000-square-foot building. Haripant Phadke was the owner of this place. Before this palace, there was a beautiful garden.
How to Reach?
It is approximately 5 kilometers from Pune station. From Pune Station, Shivajinagar, Swargate, rickshaws and buses come to this area.